Knowra Anticholinergic syndrome Anticholinergic syndrome Anticholinergic syndrome is a toxic state caused by excessive blockade of acetylcholine signaling. It can impair cognition and autonomic function, causing confusion, dry skin, and dilated pupils.
Acetylcholine : A neurotransmitter that carries signals in the brain, autonomic nervous system, and neuromuscular junction. Blocking its receptors disrupts the signaling that normally supports cognition and parasympathetic functions.
Toxidrome : A recognizable cluster of signs and symptoms that suggests a particular class of poisoning. Anticholinergic syndrome is identified by combining mental-status changes with autonomic findings.
Anticholinergic drug : A drug that reduces acetylcholine activity, commonly by blocking muscarinic receptors. These medicines and substances are the usual sources of excessive receptor blockade.
Cholinergic crisis : A toxic state caused by excessive acetylcholine activity, often with secretions, diarrhea, and muscle weakness. Its wet, constricted-pupil pattern contrasts with the dry, dilated-pupil anticholinergic state.
Jimsonweed poisoning : Poisoning from Datura plants, which contain tropane alkaloids including atropine and scopolamine. This plant exposure can produce prolonged delirium and a classic anticholinergic presentation.
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor : A family of G-protein-coupled receptors activated by acetylcholine in the brain and organs. Antimuscarinic drugs block these receptors, producing many hallmark features of the syndrome.
Physostigmine : A reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that can enter the central nervous system. In carefully selected severe cases, restoring acetylcholine can reverse central and peripheral symptoms.
Atropine : A naturally occurring tropane alkaloid and muscarinic receptor antagonist used as a medicine and antidote. It illustrates how therapeutic receptor blockade can cause the same pattern at excessive doses.
Sympathomimetic toxidrome : A poisoning pattern caused by excessive adrenergic stimulation, often with agitation, sweating, and elevated heart rate. Both can cause agitation and rapid pulse, but sweating often favors sympathomimetic toxicity.
Belladonna : A poisonous plant, Atropa belladonna, whose berries and leaves contain tropane alkaloids. Its atropine-like compounds can cause severe anticholinergic poisoning.
Show all 28